What is the SAT Exam?

Many colleges require SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process. Your SAT score is a key component of your college application.

The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The SAT is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper exam created and administered by the College Board. The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student’s readiness for college and to provide colleges with a common data point against which to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores, along with your high school GPA, courses taken in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. The importance of SAT scores in the college application process varies from school to school.

In general, the higher your SAT and/or ACT score, the more options you will have for attending and paying for college.

When Should I Take the SAT?

Most high school students take the SAT, ACT, or both in the spring of their junior year or the fall of their senior year. If you need to improve your score before applying to college, it’s important to take the test again. The SAT is administered nationally in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June each year.

There are 2 SAT sections:

• Math
• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

The SAT also includes an optional Essay section. SAT Essay scores are reported separately from overall test scores. Some colleges may require you to complete the SAT Essay. You can confirm each college’s admissions policies on the school website or on our school profiles.

The SAT is 3 hours long. If you choose to take the SAT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 50 minutes long.

How to Register for the SAT?

The SAT is a standardized test that colleges and universities use for admission to determine a student’s academic abilities. SAT registration must be completed by the student, not by a parent or guidance counselor. To register, you must:

• Select your test date and try to complete your SAT registration as soon as possible. Late registration incurs additional fees and there is also a deduction.
• Decide between the SAT and the SAT with Essay, which is optional. Some colleges require the SAT essay, so find out ahead of time. You will also need to find out if you will need to take the SAT Subject Tests, which are also required by selective colleges.
• Registration can be done online at the College Board website or by completing and mailing in the form provided in the Student Registration Booklet for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. This booklet can be picked up from your school counselor.
• Make sure all your personal information matches exactly what’s on your photo ID. For identification purposes, upload a picture of yourself.
• Decide if you want to use the College Board’s Student Search Service, which is free but requires you to provide additional information about yourself. Based on the information you provide, scholarship organizations and colleges can find you to provide information about their programs.
• Once your registration is complete, make sure you print your Admission Ticket as you will need it on the day of the exam.

How to Prepare for the SAT

The best way to prepare for the SAT is to learn in class and take courses that challenge you and help you build the knowledge you need to succeed on the test, in college, and in your future career. If you take a free Princeton Review practice test , we can provide you with a personalized score report that breaks down areas where you are strong as well as areas where you need improvement. We pride ourselves on providing you with problem sets that are most similar to what you will find on the SAT. But the best way to prepare for the SAT is to enroll in our SAT Prep course , which is available online and in-person.

What to Do on Exam Day?

On the day of the test, try not to worry about studying. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and make sure you arrive at the testing area early. In most cases, doors open at 7:45 a.m. and close at 8 a.m., and you will not be admitted once the test has started. It is best to leave your cell phone, tablet, MP3 player, and other devices at home, as the test administrator may deny you entry if they find you in possession of these prohibited electronic devices. However, you will want to make sure you bring the following:

• Entry Ticket and photo ID
• Two No. 2 pencils with erasers
• A certified calculator and extra batteries
• A clock with all alarms silenced
• A drink and snack for the break

The test administrator will read all the instructions verbatim before you begin. They will also tell you when you can start and stop working on each section. You must work on each section for the allotted time and cannot go back once completed. You will likely have both a 10-minute and a five-minute break during your test, which is just time to eat and drink.

Once the test is complete, the administrator will collect and count all the test booklets to make sure everything is turned in before students are released.

Who Can Take the SAT Exam?

• Applicants can take the SAT as many times as they want, as long as they follow the College Board rules. There is no limit to how many times you can try. Those who score well on their first few attempts will have a better chance of being accepted to the college of their choice.
• The SAT is open to all high school students. The SAT administration has not set an age limit for those who want to take the test. Students under the age of 12 are exempt from some rules.
• Educational Requirements: There are no specific educational requirements to take the test. However, to take the test, the candidate must have a good grasp of the English language.

The College Board has not set any educational or academic requirements for the SAT. Any high school student seeking admission to institutions in the United States or Canada can take the internationally renowned exam.

The SAT will only assess a candidate’s critical knowledge, aptitude, abilities, and understanding of college and job readiness. However, to take an SAT, it is recommended that you have a good command of English since the language of instruction for the test is English.